Page 20

20

Vinny rolled over and looked down at the early morning sun peaking through the windows of his bedroom, casting a hazy glow over the woman sleeping in his bed. My bed. My woman in my bed. The caveman thought could not be squelched even if he had wanted to. After years of meaningless sex in stranger’s beds, to have a beautiful woman that he loved sleeping beside him made life worth living.

She rolled toward him, still asleep. Her face, gentled in repose, held his gaze as he thought of the music that flew from her fingers. And her voice. He smiled as he stroked her cheek. The ruffles of her nightgown dipped low enough for him to see the tops of her breasts and he feasted his eyes on the creamy mounds.

Then the thought of someone trying to hurt her came to mind, and the smile left his face. Replaced by anger. And determination.

Annalisa slowly woke, her eyes opening to the sight of the most handsome man she had ever seen staring down at her. His expression appeared tight with anger, then immediately softened as he focused on her eyes as well.

“Morning, babe,” he murmured, his voice hoarse with need as he slid one hand down her back and over the globes of her ass, pulling her into his swollen dick.

“Mmmmm,” she moaned, responding by grasping his erection and slipping her hand up and down over its silky hardness. “I thought we needed to be at Tony’s this morning.”

“They can wait,” he growled, the movements of her small hand driving his need to a fevered pitch. Rolling over her body after discovering that she was not wearing panties, he pushed the nightgown up and entered her quickly after sheathing himself.

Her hands pulled him closer as they roamed over his back and down to his ass. Within a few minutes, she was thrown over the edge of her orgasm as he powered through his at the same time. Laying sated, they smiled as their bodies cooled in the early morning sun.

He moved out of the bed, reaching down to pluck her off of the covers. “Shower, babe. I’ll fix breakfast while you get ready.”

She turned to pout, saying, “You’re not going to join me?”

He chuckled as he gave her lips a quick kiss. “I join you and we’ll be a lot later for the meeting. Then you might have to explain to the group why we’re late.”

Grumbling, she headed toward the bathroom, his eyes following her longingly. His dick twitched again and he willed it down as he made his way into the kitchen. How can that nightgown be so fuckin’ sexy?

The group gathered around the large conference table at the center of Tony’s work area, Lily and BJ on laptops with their screens projected on the wallboards.

The frustration of the group was palpable. So far none of the people on the list of possible suspects had suspicious behavior, nor had Lily been able to uncover any unusual monetary transactions.

“It’s too fuckin’ clean,” Gabe groused. “Not everyone can be that clean.”

“I’ve been working with Jack, since he has DEA contacts. They’re working on an undercover operation in Los Angeles where they’ve found drug smuggling that even gets by airport security,” Tony announced.

“Intel has an organized gang, run by those that supply drugs to the rich and famous. Once hooked, extortion is also used to keep their buyers and runners busy. The organization is huge and with runs between LA and other national airports, such as Dulles, and it wouldn’t be too hard to find those that travel with large cases. They sell worldwide and one of their many schemes is thatthey target frequent fliers between D.C. and LA or New York. DEA is after the top guy, but they wonder if he knows how everything works in his own organization. So far, he’s been untouchable and he manages to stay clean. Now the many minions that work under him? That’s a different story.”

“DEA can’t get to the subordinates?” Vinny asked. “They can’t all be untouchable.”

“They’re working on it. So much money passes through the hands of all types of people in entertainment that’s off the books, it can be hard to find what’s legal and what’s not.”

“Moving drugs using unsuspecting airline passengers sounds really random…and detailed,” Jobe noted.

Lily spoke up and added, “But it wouldn’t be that difficult to figure out. All it takes is a comparison of frequent fliers, what luggage they check, how often and when they travel. That’s something that any person with enough IT knowledge could organize.”

“So I was just a random victim to begin with?” Annalissa asked hopefully, still not able to grasp the concept that she was targeted.

“We’re not sure, but still checking every angle. We don’t want to assume anything and let our guard down.”

“Give me the names of the major distributors and let me see if I can find a connection from anyone on our list,” BJ said.

Lily sat quietly, her lips pursed in thought. Her husband, Matt, Looked over. “What’s on your mind, babe?” he inquired.

“I keep going back to motive. If we’re just looking at the drugs being smuggled in a large container, then a harp makes sense. But if we are looking at something more personal, who would want Annalissa to suffer? ”

Annalissa’s gaze cut over sharply to Lily. “What are you thinking?”

“Tell me more about some of the people you work with. What about Sharon and Parker?”

Laughing, Annalissa said, “If there were two people who were definitely not involved, it would be them! They’re the only ones that really talk to me, you know like they want for me the same things that I want for myself. Never demanding…always supportive. When I travel, I am surrounded by people who are pulling me in different directions. But Sharon and Parker keepme sane.”

“How did you meet them?” Vinny asked.

Her brow crinkled in thought as she tried to remember. “I think either Todd or Gordon arranged for them to be with me the first time I had a solo performance with the Richmond Symphony. I’m sure my father made the request,” she added ruefully.

“Okay,” Lily said. “What about Les and the members of the band that you play with sometimes?”

Feeling Vinny tense up next to her, Annalissa patted his knee. “Lester heard me practicing the harp one day and knocked on my door to talk. He was getting some friends together to play in a bar and wondered if I would ever consider playing with them too. We became friends and when I can, I work with them.”

“Any of them party hard?” Gabe asked.

Annalissa looked over at him, confusion knitting her brow. “I…don’t know,” she answered, not really understanding what he was asking .

Vinny leaned toward her, saying, “Any of them do drugs that you know of?”

“No,” she answered vehemently, her eyes flashing. “I mean I don’t know them very well, but no…not that I know of. Not in front of me.” Turning to glare at Vinny once again, she said, “I really hate this you know. You have me wondering about everyone I know. I had few friends before this mess and I’ll have even less now!”

Vinny wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulders, pulling her in closely. “I’m sorry, princess,” he whispered. “I know this is tough on you.”

“I just really don’t think that anyone I know would do this on purpose to me. I must have just been the random, large case at the airport that got picked.”

Lily smiled, but remained thoughtful.

Vinny dropped Annalissa off at Ross’ school where she met Jennifer. After having played for them at the Malloy’s pub, Ross had told his music teachers about her and she received a call to show some of the students her harp during their music class. Standing in front of the school, Vinny resisted the urge to kiss her. “Either I or Jobe will be back to pick you up in two hours, babe,” he said softly, knowing she hated to be reminded about needing security.

“There hasn’t been any threat to me for several weeks,” she protested. “Can’t I use the cabs again? ”

“Not budging,” he announced as she huffed. Looking down into her eyes, he added, “Not taking any chances.”

Smiling, in spite of herself, she knew he cared. Nodding, she and Jennifer walked into the building.

Thirty minutes later, she sat with Easnadh in her lap playing songs to the fourth and fifth-grade classes. As she finished her performance, she allowed them to ask questions and to pluck the strings of the harp. The teachers allowed the most interested students to stay and she continued her mini-lessons for another hour.

“How do you know which strings to play?” one little girl asked.

“See the red ones?” Annalissa asked. “They’re for certain notes and as I play, I can quickly see where I should be by looking at them for guidance.”

“Don’t that hurt your fingers?” came the next boy, reaching out to feel the wires.

“I usually pluck the strings with my fingernails, but can use the pads as well. Here, try it,” she encouraged.

The time passed quickly and she looked up when she heard a noise at the door. Jennifer had returned and was standing there with Vinny. His warm eyes were on hers and the smile on his face took her breath away.

“Miss, miss,” a little girl said as she dragged Annalissa’s attention back to the task at hand. “If I wanna learn, would you be my teacher?”

Annalissa smiled at the child and answered truthfully, “Right now I’d love to say yes, but I’m still traveling a lot playing concerts. But I tell you what—if I can start teaching soon, I’ll have the music teacher talk to your mother.”

The little girl ran back to class smiling, and Vinny walked over as she placed Easnadh in the case. He leaned over, snagging the case from her hands as she finished and walked her back to his truck.

“Let’s grab something to eat.”

“Sure,” she replied. “What are you in the mood for?”

He lifted an eyebrow in response, eliciting a giggle. “Didn’t you get enough of that this morning?” she asked. Before he could respond, she quickly added, “I know, I know. You’re insatiable.”

“Only with you, babe. Only with you.”

They turned into the parking lot of a little restaurant overlooking the river. After being seated by a window where they could see the river slowly meandering by, they settled for pizza and beer.

“You looked good earlier,” he said. “Seeing you with those kids, babe. You’re a natural with them. You’d make a good teacher.”

Smiling up at him, she stopped mid-bite with a long string of cheese hanging out of her mouth clinging to the pizza. She chewed quickly trying not to choke. He chuckled while patting her on the back.

She sat silently for a moment thinking on his words. No one’s ever accepted that about me. What I want. What I’d like to do. She closed her eyes, letting his words slide over her. Clearing her throat, she replied, “Thank you. That means a lot to me. It…it means everything to me.”

“What do you want to do babe, if you could do anything? ”

She thought for a moment before answering. “I’d like to be like my mom,” she said. Seeing his questioning look, she continued. “I like performing. I really do. I wouldn’t want to give up performing. But I just don’t want to travel every month for a week or more. Maybe just five traveling concerts in a year plus what I am doing with the Richmond Symphony. Then I’d like to teach children.”

“Then that’s what you should do,” he claimed.

“Well…” she said, smiling. “I’ve been planning on telling Gordon not to book the concerts that Todd was lining up. In fact, I’m calling him later tomorrow.”

“Annalissa, darling. How are you?” came the smooth voice of Gordon on the other end of the phone.

Rolling her eyes, she replied, “I’m fine. Great actually.”

“Good, good. Well, I just wanted to let you know that I was going to be in town for the symphonic gala. At your father and Todd’s invitation of course.”

“Okaaay,” she said hesitantly. “Um…I’m not playing that night.”

“I know, but I’ll want to see you anyway. I’ve got some bookings that Todd sent to me and I want to get busy with them. We need to get you back out touring again soon.”

“I told Todd that I wanted to slow things down?—”

“Nonsense, darling. You’ve got to keep your name out there if you want the kind of success that we all want for you. Now, I’m looking at renewed visits to New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. We have a real interesting possible booking in Miami. Todd and I have talked, we think that trips to Florida might be profitable.”

Pursing her lips, she sucked in a deep breath letting it out slowly. “Gordon,” she said deliberately. “Just stop. I’ll see you next week when you come into town but do not book anything yet.”

“Look, Annalissa. I’ll be patient, but you’ve got to continue to travel more. If you won’t be reasonable, I’ll talk to your father.”

“Go right ahead, Gordon. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m an adult and I’ll make my own decisions. Granted, I gave control to my father for a long time, but those days are over. I’ll be making my own career choices from now on.”

“Fine,” he bit out. “We’ll talk in a week.” With that he hung up.

It did not take long for the phone call from her father to come in, demanding that she come in for a meeting. Walking into his small, crowded office that afternoon, she realized that her heart was no longer pounding. No fear. No trepidation. Just the peace that came from knowing that there was someone who loved her. Wanted her happiness.

With a genuine smile on her face, she walked over and gifted her father with a hug. Surprise crossed his face as he patted her back uneasily.

“Hello, father.”

He nodded to the chair across from his and as she sat her eyes roamed the room. Music books, sheet music, and instruments filled almost every space. He’s been a symphonic conductor for most of his adult life and it’s all summed up in this tiny room. Suddenly, she felt sorry for him. Her mother had been his catalyst. The reason they put down roots instead of traveling the world. The reason there were things in their life besides just music. And with her gone…now her father only had his music. If you would let me in, father, I’d now be able to bring to your life what mom brought to ours. If only…

“I’ve heard from Gordon and Todd.”

The statement hung out there between the two, creating a wall as sure as if he had built one from bricks.

Sighing she said, “Yes. I told you that I’m now taking charge of my career. I want to teach part time and perform part time. If I can do a CD, then I will. I plan on spending most of my time in Richmond and only traveling when necessary or to do several concerts a year.”

“It’s him, isn’t it?”

Smiling, she said, “If you are referring to Vinny, then yes. Part of it is because of him.”

“You’re letting a man who knows nothing about the classical music industry, one you have known for a few weeks, make decisions for you?” he accused.

“No, I’m not, father. I’m letting a man who would lay down his life for me, one who has saved me, comforted me, discovered what I want. One who has given me the freedom to be who I want and the courage to stand up for myself, even though it’s long overdue. And one whom I’ve fallen in love with. That’s the man who I choose to be with.” Standing, she looked down at her speechless father with nothing but pity in her heart and continued, “This is me…being me. If you can find a continued place for me in your symphony, and in your heart, then I’ll be there gladly.”

Turning, she walked to the door but his voice halted her. “Will you at least consider some of the concerts?”

A lovely smile curved the corners of her mouth. “Of course. I’ll be happy to discuss any of the possibilities with you. I’d value your opinion.” With that, she opened the door and walked down the hall.

As soon as she turned the corner, she ran into a wall. A human wall. Bouncing back, strong arms reached out to grab her arms to steady her. “Vinny!” she squealed, her smile now lighting her face. His customary close-fitting jeans stretched across his thighs and blue shirt that barely contained his muscles were a sight she would never tire of. Lifting her gaze to his strong face, she asked, “What are you doing here?”

“Knew you were coming to talk to your father and thought you might need some support. You okay?”

Green eyes sparkling, she nodded. “Yeah. I’m…perfect.”

“You sure are,” he chuckled.

Playfully slapping his arm, she added, “No, I mean with my father. I know he’s not happy, but I finally realized that I’m not responsible for his happiness. I can’t bend my life to his vision if it makes me miserable.”

Touching his lips to hers, he offered a chaste kiss. One that he would like to take deeper. Longer. But that was for later. Now, it was just for her. “Proud of you, princess.”

“Me too.” Sucking in a deep breath, she said, “It feels…freeing.”

Throwing his arm across her shoulders as they walked out of the large concert hall, he asked, “So how do you want to celebrate your new freedom?”

“Hmmm,” she said, tapping her forefinger on her chin and looking at him through eyes filled with desire.

“Don’t start that here or I’ll likely go back into that building and find an empty practice room,” he warned.

Laughing, she said, “Well, practice makes perfect.”

Swatting her ass, he laughed. “Come on, I’ll take you to lunch. I think the guys are meeting at a little deli near here and if I know them, some of their wives will be there also.”

“Lunch with you and friends…perfect!” she exclaimed, linking her fingers with his as they walked down the sidewalk.